Job Summary
The PCV Allocations Planner is responsible for planning, coordinating, and allocating the daily allocation of vehicles and drivers to scheduled services and Private Hire bookings. The role involves monitoring daily transport operations and responding to operational changes, fleet availability and customer requirements whilst ensuring that operational requirements are met safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively whilst maintaining compliance with all relevant transport legislation. Working closely with drivers, Operations, and internal teams to ensure all of the above are maintained.
Key Responsibilities
· Plan, schedule, and optimise daily vehicle routes for scheduled contracts, school runs, tour packages, and private hire bookings.
· Utilise specialist transport management systems such as Distinctive Systems and Coach Manager.
· Ensure all allocations comply with driver hours regulations and company policies.
· Monitor vehicle availability, maintenance schedules, and MOTs when planning allocations.
· Liaise with operations, engineering, depot management, and driving staff to resolve resource issues.
· Produce and maintain allocation sheets and operational reports- where required.
· Work with training to ensure all drivers hold the appropriate licences, CPC qualifications, and route knowledge where required.
· Support the planning of special events, rail replacement services, school contracts, and private hires.
· Communicate effectively with drivers regarding vehicle allocations and operational updates.
· Assist with long-term fleet planning and resource forecasting.
· Work collaboratively with internal departments and
depots to continuously improve planning processes.
· Lease with the subcontracting team to take additional work when there is spare resource to bring in revenue.
· Support with the set-up / loading of new contracts.
· Provide provisional weekly / monthly forecast of driver availability for use by sales to maximise commercial opportunity.
· Be able to successfully maintain the balance between sales / commercial expectations and targets alongside operational delivery and utilisation.
· Think analytically and make decisions with strong business judgement focusing on long term goals.
Essential Skills and Experience
· Experience in transport planning, scheduling, and/or fleet allocation.
· Knowledge of PCV operations and transport legislation.
· Hold understanding of drivers' hours regulations and Working Time Directive requirements.
· Strong organisational and time management skills.
· Ability to work under pressure and make decisions quickly.
· Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
· Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and transport scheduling software.
· High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
· Good Geographical knowledge.
Desirable
· Transport or logistics qualification.
· Knowledge of scheduling systems such as Coach manager & Tru Tac or experience using scheduling or duty allocation systems
· Previous experience within a bus, coach, or public transport environment.
Personal Attributes
· Calm and professional under pressure.
· Flexible and adaptable.
· Strong analytical and planning abilities.
· Excellent interpersonal skills.
· Team player with the ability to work independently.
· Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
· Ability to think outside the box.
Working Conditions
· Monday – Friday working.
· Office-based within an operational transport environment.
· Part of an on-call rota will be required.
· Salary – Dependant on experience.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
· Vehicle utilisation rates.
· Allocation accuracy.
· Driver and vehicle compliance.
· Reduction in dead mileage.
· Efficient use of fleet resources.
· Cost saving through effective allocations.
Pay: £30,000.00-£33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
